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Revelation 12

17 verses

TL;DR

Revelation 12 depicts a cosmic battle: a woman and her child are pursued by a red dragon, but are ultimately protected and the dragon is cast down, symbolizing God's victory over evil.

Summary

The chapter opens with a great sign in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun and crowned with stars, bearing a child who will rule all nations. A red dragon with seven heads and ten horns attempts to devour the child at birth, but the child is caught up to God’s throne. The woman flees to a prepared wilderness for 1260 days. A heavenly war ensues; Michael and his angels defeat the dragon, who is then expelled to earth with his angels. The dragon persecutes the woman, but she receives wings of an eagle to escape into the wilderness, where the earth helps by swallowing the flood the dragon throws. The dragon remains angry and vows war against the remnants of the woman's seed who keep God’s commandments and bear the testimony of Jesus. The passage ends with a proclamation of salvation and a warning to earthly inhabitants that the devil has descended with wrath.

Outline
  1. Vision of the woman, child, and dragon in heaven.
  2. War in heaven and the expulsion of the dragon.
  3. The dragon’s persecution of the woman and her deliverance.
Themes
Spiritual warfare between good and evilGod’s protection and providence for His peopleJudgment, salvation, and the ultimate triumph of Christ
Keywords
womanchilddragonMichaelangelsSatanLambsalvationjudgmentrebellionfaithful
People
The WomanThe Man Child (Messiah)The Red Dragon (Satan)Michael the ArchangelAngelsThe Lamb (Jesus)The Accuser
Places
HeavenEarthWildernessGod’s prepared place
Things
Great wonder in heavenSun, moon, and twelve starsRed dragon with heads, horns, and crownsRod of ironEagle wingsFlood water
Key Verses
  • Revelation 12:1: Introduces the symbolic woman and sets the cosmic context.
  • Revelation 12:3: Reveals the dragon’s power and intent to devour the child.
  • Revelation 12:7-9: Shows the decisive heavenly battle and the dragon’s expulsion.
  • Revelation 12:15: Highlights the dragon’s continued hostility and the threat to the woman's seed.
Questions
  • What does the woman symbolize in Christian theology?
  • How is the child’s destiny reflected in the rest of Revelation?
  • In what ways does the dragon’s persecution mirror contemporary spiritual struggles?
  • What does the earth’s act of swallowing the flood suggest about divine intervention?
  • How can believers maintain faith when facing ‘dragon-like’ persecution?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter conveys both threat and hope, with vivid depictions of judgment and ultimate divine deliverance.